Technical Pens & Fine Liners for Drawing

What is a technical pen?

• A technical pen, also fine liner, is a pen intended for technical drawing, for use by engineers, architects, and drafters.
• Technical pens are specialized in creating lines of uniform thickness.
• Artists, illustrators, cartoonists, and graphic designers use these pens for drawing, sketching, and concept art.
• These pens are also great for doodling, writing, signature work, and drawing mandalas.

Review for recommended brands of technical pens:

1. Winsor & Newton Fine Liner
2. Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment
3. Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen
4. Marvy Le Pen Drawing
5. Staedtler Pigment Liner
6. Copic multiliner SP
7. Sakura Pigma Micron
8. Uni PIN Fine Line
9. Edding 1800 Profipen
10. Pilot Drawing Pen
11. Zig Mangaka
12. Zig Millennium
13. Deleter Neopiko Line 3
14. Ohuhu Fine Line Drawing Pen
15. Tombow MONO Drawing Pen
16. OHTO Graphic Liner
17. Rotring Tikky Graphic

Disclosure: some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Note:

This guide is aimed for artists. All pens in this article are owned and tested by me, and all drawings were made by me.

At the end of this guide, you will find some pen drawing tips.

The fine liners by Winsor & Newton have a beautiful, smooth structure, with a long barrel.

Nib sizes: 6

Also available in Cool Gray, Indigo Blue, and Sepia, for sizes 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mm.

Pros:

• Long barrel
• Water-resistant, non-fading pigment
• Tapered nib

Conclusion:

I love these pens; they are smooth and easy to work with.

Unlike many fine liner brands, their structure has a beautiful design.

Their body is longer than most other fine liner brands.

Lovely tapered nib, which gives a better view of the drawing paper.

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The Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment technical pen is second to none in that price range. High-grade, consistent, and comfortable.

Nib sizes: 8

These drawing pens are lightfast, meaning their ink is resistant to fading when exposed to light.

In addition to black ink, Ecco Pigment pens are available in 3 colors: red, green, and blue.

Pros:

• Wide variety of nib sizes
• Pigmented ink, lightfast, permanent, Acid-free, archival
• High quality ergonomic structure

Cons:

• No size caption on the top part of the cap

Conclusion:

The Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment is flawless, with superior ergonomic structure.

Highly recommended for any type of art, from top quality drawings, to doodling, manga, sketching, and creating coloring pages.

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The Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen is great for graphic designers, illustrators, cartoonists, and for coloring.

Nib sizes: 4

These drawing pens produce thick, vivid lines, with pigmented, lightfast ink.

Pros:

• Affordable price when buying a set of 4
• The ink is water-resistant, permanent, odor-free, acid-free, and pH neutral

Cons:

• Only 4 nib sizes
• Actual size in millimeters not written

Note:

In many cases, you only need one or two pen sizes.

Conclusion:

Like other Faber-Castell products, these fine liners offer quality. They offer limited size range, though.

They are great for drawing cartoons, comics, manga, and drawing mandala.

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Marvy Le Pen Drawing fine liners are water-based, with pigmented ink.

Nib sizes: 7

Pros:

• Pigmented ink, lightfast, archival quality
• Fast drying, smudge-resistant, acid free, non-toxic
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Simple structure

Farm drawing, homage to George Henry Durrie (1820 – 1863):

Conclusion:

Affordable drawing pens for the art-hobbyist, and for drawing manga, anime, cartoons, and coloring pages.

When buying a set, you get a quality brush pen besides a nice range of nib sizes.

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Author's comment:

While with pencil-drawing it is possible to erase mistakes, and with oil painting it is possible to paint a new layer, with pen-drawing once a mark is made it is (almost) permanent (see tip).

For that reason, it is best to draw the front objects first. If for example there is a tree in front of a house, draw the tree first, and then the house.

Tip:

A sand eraser by Tombow exists for erasing pen marks.

Depending on the type of ink, and the type of paper, in some cases the eraser is able to erase pen marks by gentle, continuous friction.

In order not to damage the drawing paper, use an ink eraser sparingly.

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Pigment Liner pen by Staedtler is a quality, disposable pen, with indelible, lightfast, and waterproof pigment ink.

Nib sizes: 12

According to Staedtler, these pens can be left uncapped for at least 12 hours without drying.

*I tested (left uncapped for 12 hours) one of my Staedtler pens (size 0.3), and it works well.

Pros:

• High quality, lightfast, pigmented ink
• Wide variety of nib sizes
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size
• These pens can be left with cap off while sketching or drawing

Cons:

• Simple structure

Conclusion:

With 12 nib sizes and high quality ink, the Staedtler Pigment Liner is a good example of an excellent artist-grade drawing pen.

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Tip:

You can use pens with other mediums. Also known as mixed media.

In the next example, I drew (using a pen) a homage to Kim Jung Gi's pen drawing. I drew Kim Jung Gi with a graphite pencil.

The Copic Multiliner SP technical pen is designed for a lifetime of use.

Nib sizes: 9

Filler & nibs for Copic Multiliner SP can be replaced when necessary.

Besides black, these pens come in 12 colors.

In addition to the SP model, a non-SP disposable Multiliner pen exists, and it is cheaper.

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Pros:

• Wide variety of nib sizes
• Refillable
• Replaceable nibs
• Durable non-smearing ink
• A high quality technical pen with a beautiful design and a smooth aluminum body
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Pricey
• Nibs for small sizes are gentle and can bend if not careful

Conclusion:

Compared to other technical pens on this review, Copic is significantly expensive.

Its nibs will wear down with time, but they are replaceable.

That said, it delivers with high quality, beautiful design, and it is long-lasting.

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Good to know:

With time and use, most nibs will wear down until they become useless (due to friction).

The Pigma Micron disposable pen is a favorite with illustrators, and for a good reason.

Nib sizes: 8

These pens have a durable ink made of pigments. They are manufactured by Sakura.

In addition to black, these pens come in 14 colors for the nib size 0.45 mm. Fewer colors for other nib sizes.

Pros:

• High quality, durable, pigmented ink
• Affordable price
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Simple structure

Conclusion:

Not that attractive design, but good price and quality ink make the Pigma Micron a favorite for many artists and graphic designers, for drawing manga, comics, and sketching. Recommended!

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Author's comment:

If you are on a budget, one technical pen with nib size 0.1 should do the job.

Depending on the brand, size 0.1 can produce fine details, and still produce noticeable marks.

An additional (second) recommended size would be 0.5, since it creates bold outlines that are great for drawing coloring pages, or cartoon characters.

That said, many brands offer small sets of 3 to 5 nib-sizes at an affordable price.

The Uni PIN Fine Line is known for its consistent lines, and strong black ink.

Nib sizes: 10

Fade proof and water-resistant Ink.

In addition to black, sizes 0.1 and 0.5 come in 5 colors.

Pros:

• Fade proof and water-resistant Ink
• Affordable price
• Wide variety of nib sizes
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Simple structure

Conclusion:

Uni PIN Fine Line is another example of a good drawing pen. The nib size is well-written for ease of use.

These fine liners produce well-defined lines, which are great for technical drawing, signature, mandala, and drawing in perspective using a ruler.

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Tip:

When drawing from imagination (concept art and product design), you can use a lighter (in brightness value) pen for sketching.

If you are happy with the initial design, you can go over it with a darker pen (more on that later).

The Edding 1800 Profipen disposable pen is a good drawing and sketching pen.

Nib sizes: 4

Lightfast, waterproof, pigment ink.

These pens come in 4 colors: black, red, blue, and green.

Pros:

• Waterproof pigmented Ink
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• A bit pricey
• Only 4 nib sizes
• Simple structure

Conclusion:

The Edding 1800 is a good pen when it comes to ink quality, but they are limited in nib sizes.

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Pilot Drawing Pen fine liners are water-based, simple, entry-level drawing pens.

Nib sizes: 5

Water-resistant & light-resistant pigment ink.

3 colors to choose from: black, red, and blue.

Pros:

• Waterproof pigmented Ink
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Nib size not written on the pen's body
• Simple structure

Conclusion:

These pens are quite smooth and therefore great for doodling, mandala, and writing. Less ideal for fine art drawing or sketching.

Zig Mangaka are artist-grade, water-based pens, designed for drawing manga and comics.

Nib sizes: 7

Mangaka is part of Zig Cartoonist, which are products for use by professional, manga/cartoon artists, and graphic designers. They are great for sketching, doodling, or ANY form of art.

Size 01 is available in 5 colors.

Pros:

• Smudge-proof
• Lightfast water-based pigment, xylene free, odorless
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Simple structure

Good to know:

Mangaka is the Japanese word for a manga artist. Manga is the word for Japanese comics or graphic novels.

Conclusion:

These pens are amazing. Small and lightweight, easy to work with. They feel natural when drawing. Highly recommended!

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Author's comment:

If you want to learn how to draw ANY tree in a realistic style (with pens):

Go to my guide for drawing trees.

Another great product from Kuretake, the Zig Millennium, is a professional artist pen for sketching.

They are part of Zig Memory System, which is a line of products designed for scrapbooking, journaling, and card making, with water-based pigment ink to preserve for future generations.

Nib sizes: 6

They also exist in 8 colors.

These are of archival quality, and in addition to sketching, they are great for signature work.

Other than that, Zig Millennium is identical to Zig Mangaka, both in structure and in quality:

Pros:

• Acid free
• Archival quality
• Pigment ink
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Simple structure

Conclusion:

Another superb pen for drawing and sketching. Great for ANY type of art.

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Author's comment:

For flower art with pens, like the examples below:

You are welcome to visit my guide for drawing flowers.

Deleter is a manufacturer of art materials for manga artists and cartoonists.

Neopiko Line 3 is another example of a great drawing pen, with water-based pigment ink of top quality.

Nib sizes: 8

They come in 3 colors: black, gray, and sepia.

By another, I mean it is identical in structure to Zig Mangaka and Zig Millennium, and all three pens have quality ink.

Cartoon test:

As expected from fine liners for manga, they all work perfectly with Copic markers.

Pros:

• Waterproof, lightfast, and archival
• Smooth and durable high quality nib
• Smudge-proof with alcohol-based and water-based markers
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Simple structure

Conclusion:

This pen is perfect for any drawing style!

Since Neopiko pens are quite similar to Zig fine liners, selecting one over the other is a matter of price.

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Author's comment:

With some pens, you can produce both well-defined lines when perpendicular to the drawing surface, and less defined lines when diagonal, which gives them a lighter value.

You can use that to draw different brightness values with a pen.

When I need more control on brightness values, I use pencils.

Ohuhu is a manufacturer of drawing supply, with focus on markers.

Fine Line Drawing Pen are artist-grade pens that work perfect with markers.

Nib sizes: 6 (plus 1.0 thick nib & brush)

They look and work the same as the above 3 pens (Zig Mangaka, Zig Millennium, Deleter Neopiko Line 3).

Pros:

• Rich water-based ink
• Works great with markers
• Non-toxic, water-proof, fade-proof
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Simple structure
• They only come as a set

Conclusion:

Arguably the most affordable when buying a set of 8, yet high quality.

As expected from Ohuhu, these pens work perfectly with markers.

Tombow MONO are disposable, water-based, pigment ink, drawing pens.

Nib sizes: 3

These pens are quite smooth and their ink dries instantly!

Pros:

• Smudge-proof, ink dries instantly!
• Durable nib
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Only 3 nib sizes
• Can leave dots while drawing if not careful
• Simple structure

Conclusion:

These pens are smooth, but if the nib is not removed immediately from the drawing-paper after each mark, it will leave a dot of ink.

Therefore, less recommended for technical drawing.

They are great for beginners, because their nib is durable, and does not bend.

And, since their ink dries instantly, there is less chance of smudging.

In addition, they are great for doodling.

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OHTO Graphic Liner is a needlepoint drawing-pen with a strong black ink.

Nib sizes: 6

According to OHTO, these drawing pens can be left uncapped for at least 2-3 days without drying.

*I tested one of my OHTO pens (left it uncapped for 24 hours) and it works perfectly.

Pros:

• Pigmented ink, waterproof, archival
• Needlepoint rollerball which does not wear over time
• These drawing pens can be left with cap off while sketching or drawing
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size

Cons:

• Simple structure
• Smudges on smooth paper

Conclusion:

Having a needlepoint, makes these pens great for beginners since they are durable. They are suitable for writing and for quick sketches, or any graphic design work.

Fun to work with, but it smudges on some types of paper.

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Rotring Tikky Graphic is a quality disposable technical pen.

Nib sizes: 7

This pen has a great grip, and it is very comfortable even after long sessions of drawing.

The ink flows smoothly and consistently.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Waterproof pigmented ink
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired size
• Good for filling large areas

Cons:

• Spews ink
• Dries slowly

Conclusion:

For artists that like pens with flowing ink, this pen is perfect.

It can leave a stain of ink If the pen is not quickly removed from the drawing paper.

It takes a while for the ink to dry (compared to other brands on this review), and therefore it will smudge if not treated carefully.

Ink is dark, rich, and super beautiful.

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Inking edge rulers:

When drawing in perspective, it is important to use a ruler.

A regular ruler may smudge the ink.

An inking edge, is an edge that is raised above the drawing surface.

Many types of rulers come with an inking edge.

Paper:

I use the same drawing paper brands, both for pencils and pens.

A thicker paper is more durable, and prevents ink bleeding to the paper below.

Here is my guide and review on drawing materials, and my drawing-paper guide.

Light pens:

You can use a light fine liner to draw concept art, product design, or a quick sketch from observation.

Once the result is satisfying, you can go over it with a black fine liner.

For the final render, you can use markers.

If you like drawing from direct observation, visit my still life composition guide.

Straight lines:

Because pen ink is not erasable, it is best to practice drawing straight lines.

In order to draw straight lines, do not use your wrist.

Instead, draw while moving your shoulder and elbow.

Practice:

• 1. Fill some pages with straight lines.
• 2. Draw sets of two dots and then draw lines between them.
• 3. Draw a dot and draw some lines over it.

Mistakes:

When you have a mistake, do not try to fix it.

Too many lines look bold, and grab attention. Continue drawing, disregarding the mistake.

Caps:

Make sure your pen's cap is firmly closed, so the ink will not dry.

Colored Pens:

As mentioned above, many brands offer colored pens.

They work the same, though some of them are lighter in values, and therefore it is easier to create a transition in values with them.

Use the pen at an angle to draw lighter values (less defined lines).

A grainy paper is better for drawing textures.

Note:

Drawing with a fine liner at an angle, is how I draw textures for maps.

Here is my map drawing guide.

Ballpoint Pens:

With ballpoint pens, it is easier to draw different brightness values.

The key is to draw lightly at an angle, and gradually add more ink.

I drew some lines for most pen brands I have, in order to test their resistance to water.

Then, I used a synthetic brush with water.

As expected from top quality pens, all lines are still in their original shape with no smudge.

The most rich and strong blacks (Uni Pin, Ohto, and Rotring) released a bit of color to the surrounding area.

Lightfastness test:

I hanged this paper in direct sunlight for a week, and all pens passed the test.

The next example is my drawing of Tintin, after a year of direct sunlight.

Marker colors are faded and desaturated, while technical pen marks are still bold and in perfect condition.

Combined with knowledge in drawing, these pens can produce beautiful artworks.

They are an excellent choice for drawing cartoon characters, and, as mentioned above, they work well with artist-grade markers.

Important:

• Pressing hard with a technical pen while drawing can scratch the paper sheet and damage it.
• Some technical pens have a thin and gentle nib, especially the small sizes, which can bend if pressed hard.
• I store my pens horizontally.

Keep in mind:

Another tool for drawing and sketching anything, anywhere, is a mechanical pencil.

The advantage of a mechanical pencil is that you can erase mistakes, and that you do not need to sharpen it.

The advantage of a technical pen is that it is permanent, and it does not smudge.

To learn more on how to use mechanical pencils, visit my guide on how, when & why to draw with a mechanical pencil.

Where to go next:

For more actual drawings with these pens, visit my tutorial on how to draw depth. It highlights 15 methods to add depth, including many examples.

If you like drawing in a realistic style, visit my guide on realistic drawing for beginners.

In addition, I created a list of recommended YouTube channels for learning to draw.